Majority of 2008 ACM Awards Go Home with BMI Artists
BMI’s country family enjoyed sweeping recognition at the 2008 Academy of Country Music Awards, held May 18 in Las Vegas.
The prestigious Album of the Year trophy went to Miranda Lambert for her critically acclaimed project, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Lambert accepted the award with genuine surprise and gratitude, thanking both the industry and fans for embracing her “left of center” approach. Her charged performance of single “Gunpowder and Lead” was easily one of the night’s best.
Miranda Lambert
Carrie Underwood
Brooks & Dunn
Contemporary country royalty Carrie Underwood garnered the Top Female Vocalist crown for the second consecutive year. With the release of her sophomore effort, Carnival Ride, the powerhouse vocalist has eloquently underscored her undeniable staying power. Underwood also delivered a highlight of the ceremony, performing a duet with Brad Paisley on a beautifully pared-down version of Eddy Arnold’s “Make the World Go Away,” in tribute to the late icon.
Perennial favorites Brooks & Dunn took home yet another Top Vocal Duo win, marking their 15th award in the category. Brooks & Dunn stake a comfortable claim to the most-awarded pair in ACM history and remain contemporarily potent on top of their historically successful career.
Taylor Swift
Jack Ingram
Lady Antebellum
Country golden girl Taylor Swift enjoyed more official recognition of her overwhelming crossover dominance with the Top New Female Vocalist honor. Eighteen year-old Swift tearfully thanked her mother for her early sacrifices and steadfast support.
Top New Male Vocalist went to singer/songwriter Jack Ingram. Already a familiar face to Texas and Americana fans, Ingram’s win arrives on the heels of more than a decade of critically heralded albums and live shows. His breakout success in 2007 introduced him to a wider audience and delivered long overdue recognition.
Lady Antebellum earned Top New Duo or Vocal Group honors. The win marks the budding trio’s first award and bodes well for their self-titled debut album.
Rascal Flatts
Tim McGraw
Sugarland
Top Vocal Group honors went home with Rascal Flatts for the sixth consecutive year. The dominating crossover titans are now tied with legendary group Alabama for most wins in the coveted category. Rascal Flatts also received the Home Depot Humanitarian Award in recognition of their substantial philanthropic endeavors.
Tim McGraw shared in the Vocal Event of the Year win for “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” while Sugarland’s Kristian Bush and producer Byron Gallimore enjoyed honors for their individual creative contributions to “Stay,” named Single Record of the Year.
All BMI 2008 ACM Award Winners
Top Female Vocalist Carrie Underwood
Top Vocal Group Rascal Flatts
Top Vocal Duo Brooks & Dunn
Top New Male Vocalist Jack Ingram
Top New Female Vocalist Taylor Swift
Top New Duo or Vocal Group Lady Antebellum
Album of the Year Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Miranda Lambert
Single Record of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/ Producer(s)/ Record Company] “Stay” by Sugarland Co-produced by Kristian Bush and Byron Gallimore
Vocal Event of the Year “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” featuring Tim McGraw
Home Depot Humanitarian Award Rascal Flatts
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